The New York
Specifications
Why We Love Princess Cut Diamonds
Princess cut diamonds are square with clean lines and brilliant faceting. Their versatility and enduring appeal ensure they remain a cherished symbol of everlasting love and sophistication.
The Modern Square
Princess cut diamonds feature a square shape with sharp corners and brilliant-cut facets that deliver exceptional sparkle. Created in the 1960s, the princess cut is the most popular fancy diamond shape, second only to round brilliants. Their contemporary aesthetic, brilliant sparkle, and excellent value make them perfect for modern engagement rings.
Why Choose Princess Cut Diamonds?
Brilliant Sparkle
Princess cuts feature 58-76 facets arranged in a brilliant-cut pattern, delivering exceptional fire and scintillation—more sparkle than any other square or rectangular shape.
Modern Aesthetic
The clean, geometric lines and sharp corners create a contemporary, sophisticated look perfect for modern design sensibilities.
Excellent Value
Princess cuts retain more of the rough diamond during cutting than round brilliants, making them 20-30% less expensive per carat while offering similar sparkle.
Versatile Style
Princess cuts work beautifully in any setting from classic solitaires to modern tension settings to vintage-inspired halos.
Princess Cut Characteristics
Shape
Square (or slightly rectangular) with four sharp, pointed corners. The geometric shape is perfectly symmetrical.
Facet Pattern
Brilliant-cut facets on both crown and pavilion. Typically 58-76 facets total, depending on the specific cutting style. Creates exceptional sparkle and fire.
Length-to-Width Ratio
- 1.00-1.05: Perfect square (most popular)
- 1.05-1.10: Slightly rectangular (still appears square)
- 1.10+: Noticeably rectangular
Princess Cut Quality Factors
Cut Quality
Princess cuts don't have standardized GIA cut grading. Look for:
- Excellent or very good symmetry (critical for princess cuts)
- Excellent or very good polish
- Well-proportioned depth (68-75%) and table (68-75%)
- Even light return without dark corners
Color
Princess cuts can show color in the corners. Consider G-H color or higher for white gold/platinum settings.
Clarity
VS2-SI1 clarity works well. The brilliant facets help hide minor inclusions. Avoid inclusions near corners where they could affect durability.
Protecting the Corners
The four sharp corners are vulnerable to chipping. Always choose settings with prongs protecting all four corners (V-prongs or bezel corners).
Princess Cut History
The modern princess cut was created in the 1960s-1980s through the work of several diamond cutters, including Arpad Nagy (Barion cut, 1971) and Betzalel Ambar and Israel Itzkowitz (princess cut, 1980s).
Princess cuts quickly gained popularity as a modern alternative to round brilliants, offering similar sparkle in a distinctive square shape at a lower price point. By the 1990s-2000s, princess cuts became the second most popular diamond shape.
Best Settings for Princess Cuts
Four-Prong Solitaire
Classic setting with V-prongs protecting all four corners. Timeless and elegant.
Halo
Surrounded by smaller diamonds for added sparkle and corner protection. Makes the center stone appear larger.
Three-Stone
Flanked by smaller princess cuts, rounds, or trapezoids for balanced elegance.
Bezel Setting
Metal rim surrounding the diamond offers maximum corner protection with sleek, modern aesthetic.
Channel Setting
Multiple princess cuts set in a channel create modern, geometric bands.
Princess Cut vs. Other Shapes
vs. Round Brilliant
Princess: Square shape, modern, 20-30% less expensive
Round: Maximum brilliance, timeless, premium pricing
vs. Cushion Cut
Princess: Sharp corners, modern, more sparkle
Cushion: Rounded corners, vintage, softer appearance
vs. Asscher Cut
Princess: Brilliant facets, more sparkle, modern
Asscher: Step facets, hall-of-mirrors effect, Art Deco
vs. Radiant Cut
Princess: Sharp corners, square
Radiant: Trimmed corners (more durable), rectangular or square
Princess Cut Considerations
Corner Protection - Critical
The sharp corners are the most vulnerable part of princess cuts:
- Always ensure all four corners are protected by prongs or bezel
- V-prongs are specifically designed for pointed corners
- Avoid settings that leave corners exposed
- Regular professional inspection to check corner prongs
Color in Corners
Princess cuts can concentrate color in the corners. Higher color grades (G-H or better) recommended for white metal settings.
Princess Cut Diamond Care
- Clean regularly with warm water and mild soap
- Safe for ultrasonic and steam cleaners
- Professional inspection every 6 months to check corner prongs
- Remove before heavy manual work or exercise
- Be mindful of corners—avoid hitting against hard surfaces
- Store separately to prevent chipping
Swiss Craftsmanship
Our princess cut diamond jewelry is handcrafted in Switzerland by master artisans who select well-proportioned princess cuts with excellent symmetry and sparkle. Settings are designed to protect all four corners while maximizing the geometric beauty and brilliant sparkle.
Perfect For
- Modern, contemporary engagement rings
- Those seeking brilliant sparkle in square shape
- Excellent value compared to round diamonds
- Clean, geometric aesthetics
- Versatile style that works in any setting
- Those who love the sparkle of rounds but want distinctive shape
View princess cut engagement rings or contact us to create a custom princess cut piece.
Payments Plans
Installment payments are available for Swiss residents, with 0% interest on purchases up to CHF 5,000 at checkout. For higher-value pieces, please contact us to arrange a personalized payment plan.